Event description
Join filmmaker Serena Dykman, producer Julia McGill, and a guide dog team from the oldest guide dog school in the world, The Seeing Eye, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Humanitas Prize-nominated short film BABKA starring Saul Rubinek. Like its namesake dessert—smothered in chocolate and layered with twists and turns—BABKA is a sweet and surprising story of connection: when a newly blind Hasidic baker must adapt to life with a guide dog in a community that doesn’t accept dogs, an unlikely friendship with a queer Catholic trainer changes both their lives. Through conversation and a meet-and-greet, we’ll explore how BABKA blends faith, disability and canine love with just the right balance of heart and Jewish humor. Participants will gain insight into turning lived experiences into storytelling, and learn about the vital role of guide dogs and their handlers (bonus: how to teach Yiddish to your dog). This class offers a unique chance to schmooze with the filmmakers and ask questions ahead of the film’s Boston premiere in the FreshFlix Short Film Competition at the Boston Jewish Film Festival, screening at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge on Thursday, November 6 at 7pm. Make sure to save room for some delicious chocolate babka!
Feel free to arrive as early as 5pm to chat with Serena and The Seeing Eye team!
Serena Dykman is a New York-based filmmaker and culture-clasher who uses storytelling to connect people through humor, heart, and humanity. A proud “third-culture” kid, Serena was born in Paris and raised across Brussels, the French Antilles, London, and New York. Her global upbringing has been fueling her passion for exploring identity and cross-cultural connections. With her films, Serena challenges prejudice and stereotypes, often turning them on their heads with levity, because laughter is one of the greatest human connectors.
A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts Film & Television program, Serena has worked with renowned talents like Saul Rubinek (Warehouse 13, True Romance, Hunters), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Us, Them), and James V. Hart (Hook, Contact, The Hot Zone). She has collaborated with major cultural institutions, including the Guggenheim Museum and the New York City Ballet Choreographic Institute. Her films have been official selections at over 80 film festivals, including Oscar-qualifiers, and have earned more than 25 awards, including a Webby Award.
Serena’s debut feature documentary, NANA tells the story of her grandmother’s survival of Auschwitz and her mission to educate and remember. The film was theatrically released by First Run Features, and Serena toured North America and Europe with it, giving talks at institutions such as the European Commission, Amnesty International, Classrooms Without Borders, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Serena recently completed three films and is developing several scripted and unscripted projects.
Serena works between New York, Los Angeles, and Europe.
Who are these classes for?
Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!
Why are there tickets at different prices?
Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.
Can I eat during class?
While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
